Top Picks for Baby Swimming Kits
Its nearly September. For big kids, that means back to school: early mornings, long bus rides and homework. But for those with babies and toddlers, it means back to swim school: fun, splashing and developing new skills.
Whether you are introducing your little one to the pool for the first time, or returning to classes after the summer holidays, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. How will my baby react to noises and unfamiliar sensations? What do I need to take in my baby’s swim kit? What if they get too cold? These are all familiar questions to us at Splash About. For years we have been reassuring parents and carers and advising them on the best products to make your swimming sessions easier.
Take a look at our top picks for a worry-free baby swim class.
Happy Nappy Duo™
Disposable Vs Reusable is becoming a regular debate. While disposable swim nappies may seem like the convenient option, they are not reliable for preventing pool contamination from poo. In fact, many swim schools no longer allow disposable swim nappies as the sole form of protection against leaks.
So, they highly recommend the Happy Nappy Duo™ - the only reusable swim nappy that includes a second inner nappy that provides the double layer protection that swim schools insist upon.
The Happy Nappy Duo™ is designed to contour the shape of your baby’s bum to ensure there are no gaps for poo to escape from. This leak free feature is complemented by specialist ribs around the thighs and waist that fit snugly against the child to form a seal that no poo will ever escape from.
However, the Happy Nappy Duo™ has an even more innovative, unique and amazing feature! The inner nappy is made using silver ions that actually kill germs associated with faeces within the nappy. As no swim nappy is waterproof, germs will escape regular swim nappies, even if the poo itself doesn’t. But with the Happy Nappy Duo™, there are no germs to enter the pool water, meaning you, your baby and other swimmers are at less risk of contracting any illness associated with faeces.
Additionally, silver has soothing qualities so it can help to calm the redness and sore bottoms from nappy rash.
- No leaks
- No germs
- Soothing for sore bums
- No need for any other swim nappy
The Happy Nappy Duo™ is a swim class winner!
Baby Wrap
You may not have even considered a baby wetsuit if this is your first baby swim class. Whilst swimming costumes can be cute and pretty, they offer no warmth and being cold may result in your class being cut short. That’s why Splash About offers a range of baby wetsuits, proven to keep babies warm in the pool for longer.
The Baby Wrap is a favourite among parents and carers because it does exactly what it promises – it wraps your baby in warmth. This original baby wetsuit features Velcro-style fastenings that open completely, allowing you to lay your baby on top of the opened wrap and easily close it around them. No need to pull arms and legs through tight openings, making it fuss-free. It’s one of the thickest wetsuits in our range, designed to keep the core warm while leaving the arms and legs free to kick and splash.
- 2mm thick neoprene
- No fuss changing
- Proven to extend pool time for babies
- Designs for girls and boys with matching accessories available
Warm In One
If your baby is very young, or particularly sensitive to the cold, the Warm in One is the swim kit must-have for you.
It is loved by parents because it is a snuggly, comfy swimsuit that is easy to put on and keeps baby super cosy thanks to its fleece lining. The Warm In One is a full suit with long length sleeves and legs which are also lined to keep baby as warm as possible. If this is their first time in a swimming pool, then this suit is the perfect choice.
- Fully lined in luxurious fleece
- Full coverage for maximum warmth
- Keeps baby snuggly and happy for longer
- Designs to match the Happy Nappy™
Neoprene Changing Mat
Yes, you may already have a portable changing mat rolled and ready to go, but is it really the best option for the swimming pool? Regular mats can be cold to lie on, and because they’re waterproof, water pools on the surface, leaving your baby lying in puddles while you try to get them warm, dry, and dressed.
A neoprene Changing Mat is the bit of kit you never knew you needed! Thick, soft, and absorbent, neoprene doesn’t feel cold against your baby’s skin, and it soaks up water to prevent them from lying in cold, wet patches as you dry them. Naturally antibacterial, neoprene also protects your baby from germs on the changing table or bench. Plus, neoprene mats can be taken poolside, giving you a safe and comfortable place to lay your baby while you get into the water.
- Thick 3mm neoprene is comfortable for baby to lie on
- Anti-bacterial properties protect against changing room germs
- No puddles means drying baby is quicker and easier
- Non-slip base
Starfish Snippets
Now, strictly speaking this is not a baby swim class essential, as lots of baby swimming classes don’t allow toys. However, the Starfish Snippet pool toy is perfect for distracting nervous babies in the pool. Designed to float on the surface of the water, it is double sided with a cute smiling face on one side and a colourful design on the other, to draw the attention of even the youngest swimmers.
If toys are not allowed during the lesson, these Snippets could be used as a comforter in the changing rooms, as they are soft and lightweight and suitable from birth, and they can definitely be taken into the pool if you are not involved in a baby swim class.
- Soft, lightweight and suitable from birth
- Cute, bright designs to appeal to babies and young children
- Easily packed into swimming bags
This list isn’t exhaustive, and you’ll, of course, need to remember essentials like a towel for both you and your baby (perhaps even a dressing gown to keep yourself warm while getting your baby dressed), a clean, dry nappy for after swimming, a bottle or snack if needed, and a pound for the locker. However, these are the items we’ve handpicked to help make your first swimming experiences together fuss-free and enjoyable.
Happy Splashing xx